Lee Marley turnover hits £95.4m as profit falls

Alex Mercer
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Lee Marley turnover hits £95.4m as profit falls

Lee Marley Brickwork has reported record turnover of £95.4m after investing £2.99m in scaffold and other fixed assets, although pre-tax profit fell by almost a fifth.

The masonry and scaffolding contractor had £131m of secured work at 31 December 2025, down from £135m a year earlier, as delays through the Building Safety Regulator’s Gateway process pushed back project starts.

Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025, filed at Companies House on 6 October 2026, show turnover rose 9.4% from £87.2m. It was the company’s sixth consecutive year of revenue growth.

Pre-tax profit fell 19.7% to £2.87m from £3.57m. The figures relate to Lee Marley Brickwork Limited.

In its strategic report, the company linked the lower profit to investment ahead of anticipated growth, including additional staff and IT systems, alongside increased depreciation on its expanding fixed-asset base.

It added staff in estimating, design management, finance, commercial and accounting roles. Tangible fixed assets rose to £11.2m from £9.7m.

The £2.99m investment figure covers scaffold and other fixed assets across the business. Cash at bank and in hand stood at £968,000 at the year end, compared with £2m a year earlier.

Lee Marley said 2025 began positively as projects held up during 2024 by second-staircase requirements moved forward and generated revenue. New contracts secured in the first quarter included schemes worth £22.7m and £13.7m.

However, delays in the Gateway process became more apparent as the year progressed, deferring a number of anticipated schemes.

The company said a slowdown in the conventional housing market during the latter part of 2025 had compounded those delays, increasing competition and putting pressure on bid margins.

Earlier involvement in design and cost planning had improved visibility of potential work, the report said. Its focus on major projects underpinned the £131m secured workload carried into 2026.

Lee Marley operates from London, Reading and Glasgow, specialising in large-scale, high-rise and complex projects. Its core markets include mixed-use developments, affordable and social housing, and institutional build-to-rent.

Tyne Bridge to close for overhead scaffold deck installation

Daniel Norton
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Tyne Bridge to close for overhead scaffold deck installation

The Tyne Bridge will close from 23 October to 2 November while scaffolders install an overhead protection deck for the next stage of its restoration.

The structure will span the carriageway and footpaths, allowing the crossing to remain in use when work moves onto the main steel arch in early 2027.

According to Newcastle City Council’s latest project update, crews will work around the clock during the closure. Independent scaffold legs will run along both footpaths, with a new arrangement on the east side mirroring the existing west-side scaffold.

Twin aluminium beams will span between the footpaths to form the deck’s main structure. Scaffold boards and temporary carriageway lighting will complete the installation, providing a working platform and protection for the public below.

The bridge will shut to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists at 11pm on Friday 23 October and reopen at 5am on Monday 2 November. The council said the scaffold cannot be erected safely over the full width of the crossing while it remains in public use.

Up to 70% of the protection deck is expected to be completed during the full closure. The remainder will be installed during weekday overnight vehicle closures lasting up to four weeks in November, subject to weather. Pedestrian and cycle access will remain available during those overnight closures.

The new deck follows the parapet scaffolding phase reported by Scaffmag in September 2025. Work on the east-side parapets is now nearing completion.

Esh Construction is delivering the restoration for Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council. Main arch work will include grit blasting, steelwork repairs and a three-coat protective paint system finished in Hollybush Green.

A 4.95m vehicle height restriction will be introduced to accommodate the protection deck. Double-decker buses will not be affected.

The council said the wider programme remains on schedule to finish ahead of the bridge’s centenary in October 2028.

Worker dies in fall as campaigners count 21 Hong Kong construction deaths this year

Daniel Norton
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Worker dies in fall as campaigners count 21 Hong Kong construction deaths this year

A 34-year-old construction worker has died in a fall at a public housing site in Hong Kong, bringing the number of construction fatalities reported by a workers’ rights group this year to 21. Almost half have involved falls from height.

The latest death happened on Wednesday, 7 October, at the Tung Chung Area 103 housing development where, according to the Labour Department, the worker was dismantling an external-wall working platform.

Ten of those deaths were falls from height, and 6 of them happened on public works projects, according to the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims.

Hong Kong’s Labour Department confirmed that inspectors attended the site following the fatal fall and issued suspension notices stopping all erection, alteration, dismantling and use of external-wall working platforms.

The work cannot resume until the department is satisfied that the risks have been addressed.

The worker, identified locally by his surname Chin, was found unconscious on a second-floor working platform and taken to North Lantau Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Growing concern over fatal falls

The Hong Kong Institute of Safety Practitioner has called for dedicated work-at-height legislation and stronger supervision on construction sites.

Its proposals include a code of practice covering different forms of elevated work, alongside greater accountability for site supervisors and closer checks on the proper use of fall-protection equipment.

The Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims has also called on the government to take stronger action, particularly on publicly funded construction projects.

Its general secretary, Fay Siu, urged the Labour Department to investigate the latest death quickly and make its findings public.

Investigation under way

Local reports have raised questions about the circumstances of Wednesday’s accident.

According to the workers’ rights association, Mr Chin was dismantling equipment connected with a tower crane when he fell from the 13th floor onto a working platform below.

The association also reported that he was wearing fall-protection equipment.

However, the Labour Department has described the incident as a fall while dismantling an external-wall working platform. It has yet to confirm the height of the fall or the safety arrangements in place.

The type of working platform involved also remains unclear.

Investigators will examine the cause of the accident and whether those responsible for site safety breached their legal duties.

Under Hong Kong’s Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance, breaches of the general duty provisions can result in fines of up to HK$10 million and imprisonment for two years.

The Labour Department has reminded contractors that workers dismantling platforms must be protected by suitable fall-arrest equipment connected to secure anchor points or independent lifelines.

It is also issuing a Work Safety Alert to contractors and industry organisations.

ECITB launches PPE fit training for workers and employers

Alex Mercer
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ECITB launches PPE fit training for workers and employers

The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board has launched two short online courses to help workers and employers understand the risks of ill-fitting personal protective equipment.

The PPE: Right Fit. Real Protection modules each take around ten minutes to complete and are initially available only to ECITB in-scope employers.

The training is delivered through ECITB World, part of the board’s Learning Experience Platform (LXP). It uses engineering construction scenarios to explain how PPE should suit both the work being carried out and the person wearing it.

One module, Wearing and using PPE, is aimed at employees, technicians and operational supervisors. It covers fit, compatibility between items of equipment, pre-use checks and recognising when PPE is no longer suitable.

The second, Providing and managing PPE, is for those responsible for selecting, buying, issuing or overseeing equipment. Its audience includes managers, supervisors, procurement and stores teams, HR staff and administrators.

That module focuses on the decisions and systems needed to select suitable PPE, review its use and make improvements over time.

Both courses are awareness modules rather than training in technical PPE competence.

The ECITB worked with the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), which reviewed the initial proposal and contributed industry insights through its Safety Forum.

The training addresses the need for different sizes, designs or adjustments to give workers suitable protection. The ECITB says differences in body shape, medical needs and other individual requirements need to be recognised when equipment is selected.

Mat Parker, the ECITB’s head of careers and inclusion, said: “PPE is often the final barrier between a worker and serious injury or ill health.”

The board hopes to extend the PPE training to the wider industry in future, but has not announced a date.

Access to the LXP is free for ECITB in-scope employers. Employers wishing to join are directed to their ECITB Relationship Manager.

UK proposes duties of up to 82.89% on Chinese boom lifts

Alex Mercer
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UK proposes duties of up to 82.89% on Chinese boom lifts

The UK’s trade watchdog has proposed anti-dumping duties of up to 82.89% on boom lifts made in China.

The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) found that Chinese manufacturers had been selling the machines in the UK at unfairly low prices, harming British producers.

It said Chinese imports undercut UK prices by more than 25%.

If the government approves the duties, they will apply for five years.

The investigation began in December 2025 following a complaint from Niftylift, the UK boom lift manufacturer.

The TRA published its findings on 5 October.

It has proposed a rate of 21.01% for Zhejiang Dingli Machinery and 48.92% for Lingong Heavy Machinery, which trades as LGMG.

Thirteen other Chinese exporters that co-operated with the investigation would pay 27.67%. Any exporter that did not co-operate would pay the top rate of 82.89%.

The co-operating group includes the Chinese factories of several major Western brands, including JLG, Terex, which owns Genie, and Haulotte. Sinoboom, XCMG, Zoomlion, LiuGong and Sunward are also on the list.

The duties apply to where a machine is built rather than to the brand. A boom made by the same company in Europe or the US would not be affected.

Temporary duties have been in force since 20 August, set at 16.25% for Dingli, 64.25% for LGMG, 28.12% for the co-operating group and 71.74% for all other exporters.

Under the final proposal, Dingli’s rate would rise and LGMG’s would fall.

The measures cover self-propelled articulated and telescopic booms, including spider lifts, with a working height of 6m or more. Individual components imported separately are excluded.

The duties could push up the cost of new machines for UK hire companies, many of which have added lower-priced Chinese booms to their fleets in recent years.

Scaffolding contractors who hire powered access for their jobs may eventually see higher rates.

The European Union imposed similar duties on Chinese mobile elevating work platforms in 2025. The US introduced its own in 2021.

Companies affected have until 20 October to respond. The TRA will then make a final recommendation to the Business and Trade Secretary, who will decide whether the duties go ahead.

Monthly Scaff Walk launched to support mental health conversations

Daniel Norton
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Monthly Scaff Walk launched to support mental health conversations

The first Scaff Walk will take place at Battersea Park on Sunday 18 October, starting at 9am.

Stuart Didd

Those attending are being asked to meet at the Gate Car Park by the Chelsea Bridge Road roundabout before walking together through the park.

The initiative has been set up by Benchmark Scaffolding Senior Contracts Manager Stuart Didd, who has become increasingly involved in mental health awareness across the construction industry.

Didd said the walk is open to anyone from scaffolding or the wider construction sector who wants to come along, meet others and talk.

“You don’t have to be struggling to come along. Just turn up, walk, talk and be part of it,” he said.

In memory of Wayne ‘Bud’ Didd

The first walk will have particular significance for Didd and his family.

It is being held in memory of his younger brother Wayne, known as Bud, who died unexpectedly in 2021 at the age of 29.

Didd said he hopes the event will give people across the trade an informal way to check in with each other and make conversations about mental health easier.

The Battersea event is planned as the first of a series. Scaff Walks will take place every month at different locations, giving people from other areas an opportunity to get involved.

Building on Bud’s Story

The walk builds on mental health work Didd has already been carrying out on construction sites.

Through Bud’s Story, Didd and his cockapoo, also called Bud, have visited sites and offices to speak about his own experiences with mental health and encourage workers to talk when they need support.

Didd has previously explained that the dog’s name honours his younger brother. Benchmark Scaffolding has also used the sessions across its workforce as part of its wider health and wellbeing activity.

The first Scaff Walk takes place on Sunday 18 October at 9am at Battersea Park, London.

Annual construction materials inflation rises to 6.4%

Alex Mercer
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Annual construction materials inflation rises to 6.4%

Annual UK construction materials inflation increased to 6.4% in August, up from 5.9% in July, according to new government figures.

The September building materials and components release, published on 7 October, showed the “all work” materials price index rose 0.4% month on month.

Materials for other new work recorded annual inflation of 7.4%, compared with 5.9% for repair and maintenance and 5.6% for new housing.

Fabricated structural steel prices were 21.2% higher than a year earlier. Concrete reinforcing bars rose 12.5%, while cement prices fell 0.8%.

Separate seasonally adjusted figures for Great Britain showed brick deliveries were 10.1% lower than in August 2025, despite rising 12.6% from July.

Concrete block deliveries increased 5.9% month on month but remained 6.5% below their year-earlier level.

The monthly improvements left both delivery measures short of August 2025 levels.

The figures follow September’s UK Construction PMI, which showed a slower decline in activity but a sharper fall in new work. The index rose to 46.1 from 44.3 in August, remaining below the 50 mark separating growth from contraction.

For scaffolding businesses, the materials release provides wider context on the construction market. It does not measure scaffold equipment prices, hire rates or scaffolding order books.

Decorator given suspended sentence after fatal ladder electrocution

Alex Mercer
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Decorator given suspended sentence after fatal ladder electrocution

HSE said the original plan, a tower scaffold and ladders, was unsafe, and so was the ladders-only method used on the day.

A painter and decorator has been given a suspended prison sentence after his stepson was electrocuted while moving a ladder near an overhead power line at a house near Chester.

Daniel Watton, 50, trading as Inside Out Painters and Decorators Property Maintenance, was sentenced at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on 6 October 2026 following a prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

He pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, which requires work at height to be properly planned, supervised and carried out safely. The court imposed a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered him to pay £10,645 in costs.

Connor Lambert, a 24-year-old trainee painter from Market Drayton, died on 29 July 2024 while working at the property in Farndon.

HSE investigators found that Lambert and a colleague had been moving a fully extended ladder at the gable end of the house. The ladder either touched an overhead power line or came close enough for electricity to arc across the gap.

Lambert was killed. His colleague suffered burns to his hands, feet and stomach.

Plan changed on site

The original plan was to use a tower scaffold and ladders to paint the exterior, including an area with a glass canopy. HSE found that arrangement unsuitable.

In practice, the work departed from the plan and ladders were used throughout. Watton approved that method, which HSE said was “also unsuitable and unsafe”.

The investigation found the work had not been properly planned, supervised or carried out safely, and that the risks from the overhead power line had not been adequately assessed. Investigators also identified shortcomings in the training and competence of those doing the work.

“He had the cheekiest grin”

Lambert’s partner, Megan McCann, said: “Connor was amazing. He had the cheekiest grin and would light up any room he was in.”

His father, Craig West, said: “This experience has changed me, my emotions, my temperament and my outlook on life.”

HSE inspector Keeley Eves said: “This tragic incident meant a father never got to meet and hold his baby daughter. The fact it could and should have been prevented with proper planning and control measures makes it all the more stark.

“Work at height and work near overhead power lines are both high-risk activities. Employers must ensure that suitable equipment is selected, risks are fully assessed, and workers are adequately trained and supervised.”

Overhead lines

HSE says work at height that cannot be avoided must be properly planned and supervised, with suitable equipment, safe methods and competent workers.

Where work near overhead power lines is unavoidable, the regulator says the risk must be eliminated or reduced, for example by having the supply isolated, using suitable equipment and keeping a safe distance from the line.

Source: HSE press release, 6 October 2026

CISRS postpones October webinar as CSCS licence talks continue

Daniel Norton
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CISRS postpones October webinar as CSCS licence talks continue

CISRS has postponed its webinar scheduled for Thursday 8 October, saying discussions are under way between the major stakeholders involved in its CSCS licence.

In an email sent on 6 October and signed by chief executive Clive Dickin, the scheme said the next webinar would instead be held in late October or early November. A replacement date was not specified.

“The webinar has been postponed, as there are now meaningful and delicate discussions underway between the major stakeholders involved in the CSCS/CISRS licence process,” Dickin said.

“The next webinar will instead be held in late October or early November, by which time we hope those discussions will have produced some results.”

The email did not identify the participants in the discussions or announce an agreement.

CISRS said it was updating its frequently asked questions document to include some of the new questions submitted ahead of this week’s planned session. It expects to circulate the revised answers later this week.

The recording of the first webinar remains available, the scheme said.

CISRS announced plans to leave CSCS on 8 September, saying it wanted to retain a single competence card for scaffolders working across construction and other sectors.

At its first webinar on 22 September, CISRS said it could withdraw its termination notice if agreement was reached over Clause 4 of the Construction Leadership Council’s industry card scheme rules.

CISRS argues that the wording creates difficulties for a scheme covering scaffolders working in multiple industries. CSCS has challenged that interpretation, saying scaffolding remains a construction occupation even when the same skills are used elsewhere.

In Scaffmag’s report on 4 October, CISRS board member and NASC president Sarah Klieve said the notice had been served to seek a resolution from a stronger negotiating position. Build UK has said the rules are not intended to prevent scaffolders working in other sectors.

Tuesday’s email gives no new position on the planned departure. CISRS has previously said existing cards carrying the CSCS logo will remain valid until they expire.

Band of Builders launches kit bursary for young construction workers

Daniel Norton
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Band of Builders launches kit bursary for young construction workers

Band of Builders has launched a bursary to help young people and apprentices meet the cost of essential kit as they start or continue a career in construction.

The construction charity announced the BoB Bursary at its Wonka-themed charity ball at Villa Park, Birmingham, on 2 October. Häfele UK is the scheme’s founding partner.

The programme offers support towards tools, personal protective equipment, workwear and other equipment, including bags and storage. It also provides access to wellbeing resources and support.

Band of Builders says the scheme is intended to reduce the financial barriers that can prevent young people from taking up opportunities in the industry.

Its published criteria cover young people starting out in construction, apprentices and those on formal training programmes, as well as students taking construction-related courses at colleges or other recognised training providers who need help with essential kit.

Applications are open throughout the year and will be considered individually. Applicants are asked to explain their training or apprenticeship, what support they need and how it would help them progress in construction.

The launch forms part of the charity’s wider effort to reach people earlier in their construction careers. Band of Builders also provides practical, financial and wellbeing support to construction workers and their families.

Further details are available on the BoB Bursary programme page, with applications made through the charity’s online form.

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